Pioneer DJ Buyer's Guide

If you want to get the absolute most out of your DJ experience, controllers are the ultimate tool for harnessing the powerful combination of hardware and software. To take that next step in all things DJ, you need to look no further than Pioneer’s own line of controllers. Pioneer has always had a reputation for consistently pushing the boundaries of technology while making strong, durable gear with unmatched feel at your fingertips. These DJ models continue in that tradition with touch-sensitive jog wheels, responsive mixers and faders, and thorough, effortless connectivity to Serato and a number of the best DJ software platforms out there. Commanding a library of tracks and production tools is more extensive and easier than ever before! So the question is. . . What are your goals behind the decks? Whether you want to compile and perform sets of music at a live venue, remix and mashup your favorite tracks, or add the incredible elements of DJing to your studio recordings, AMS will educate you on all the features and help find the right Pioneer controller to fit your ambitions and your budget.

Pioneer DDJSX2 Professional DJ Controller

A hugely popular update from their well-known DDJ-SX model, the new DDJ-SX2 has incorporated features of the top-of-the-line DDJ-SZ, all at a substantially lower cost. This includes utilizing the capabilities of Serato DJ full version software, the sets of touchpads to cue, slice, and sample audio, and the customizable digital cue markers for your mix. While there are less inputs/outputs on this model than on the SZ, the SX2 still has the extensive four-channel mixer for connection to external media or turntables (two of the channels can be used for microphones). The other differences include a single USB port, no onboard effects and oscillator functions, and the jog wheels - while much improved in response time over the older SX model - are a bit smaller in diameter and don’t have the customized fine-tuning focus of an SZ. We recommend the DDJ-SX2 if you want the powerful setup of a professional DJ controller combined with Serato and - 1) don’t mind the lack of onboard effects, a few less I/O and the single USB port, 2) aren’t in need of the most powerful sound card and 3) aren’t overly dependent on jog wheel effects such as scratching and hard cuts at the level of a skilled turntablist (when size and feel of the platter is absolutely crucial).

Pioneer DDJSZ Professional DJ Controller

This controller is the powerhouse in the Pioneer lineup and a must-have for serious DJs. Designed to bring out the full capability of Serato DJ software, the DDJ-SZ is ready to plug-and-play with the full version the moment you connect. The fine-tuned, durable jog wheels, knobs, and faders are all painstakingly modeled after Pioneer’s industry standard standalone CDJs for the most authentic feel out there. The features on the DDJ-SZ address every possibility a DJ would take into consideration during a performance – the most powerful sound card in the line, onboard effects and oscillator functions, a fully-customizable four-channel mixer that can be connected to external media players and turntables, two independent microphone channels for adding vocals, two dedicated stereo outputs to various PA systems, and two separate USB ports allowing a connection with two different computers. A stunning visual layout makes it easy to set your tempo, assign effects and parameters to any channel, use the eight pressure-sensitive touchpads under each jog wheel to cue, slice, or sample audio at any point with ease. Straightforward back and forth mixing isn’t taking advantage of this piece of tech, so if you’re ready to unleash everything Serato has to offer, the Pioneer DDJ-SZ is the way to go.

Pioneer XDJRX Professional DJ System

This is the standard for all-in-one professional DJ systems! Bundled with full version of rekordbox™ software, The Pioneer XDJ-RX can connect to computers, flash drives, smartphones, or tablets to load the tracks you need in a wide-range of audio formats. The XDJ-RX has an easy-to-read visual waveform display to see your tracks running in real time while prepping cues, splices, and effects as needed. The two fine-tuned jog wheels and two sets of eight performance pads give you all the same control over your mixes as those offered by the other top Pioneer models designed specifically to integrate with Serato software. We recommend the Pioneer XDJ-RX for DJs looking for a powerful, professional DJ platform that offers all of the power of the top controllers on the market without the need to be tethered to a laptop. Mobile-oriented DJs can use the rekordbox™ app which can assist and cue up your collection from your device or USB storage device media quickly and easily. The XDJ-RX still functions as a MIDI controller and soundcard for DJ software if you choose to use it that way, but it won’t be specifically tailored to Serato as the DDJ-SZ and DDJ-SX2 have been.

Pioneer DJMS9 Professional DJ Mixer

Gear up for battle with the lean and mean Pioneer DJM-S9 two-channel mixer for Serato DJ! With audio circuitry and design concepts drawn from their own flagship 4-channel mixer, the DJM-S9 channels the energy of vintage turntable battles all while incorporating the performance touchpads and customized settings found on the DDJ-SZ and DDJ-SX2. This gear isn’t for bland, predictable mixes; it’s designed to achieve an individual touch with a huge range of sound and beat effects that can be programmed and recalled at an instant. The DJM-S9 includes a dedicated microphone input, an RCA auxiliary input, two USB connections, and two master outputs to PA systems. Most importantly, you can connect your media players with two sets of phono or CD/line inputs or use it standalone. We recommend the Pioneer DJM-S9 for DJs who want all of the power and versatility that a digital DJ program has to offer, yet still prefer the feel and touch of their turntables and CDJs for scratching, cutting, and getting the tactile effect they desire while rocking the dance floor.

Pioneer DDJSR Portable DJ Controller

Pioneer has always designed their products with exceptional performance, a functional layout, and stunning visuals in mind. The Pioneer DDJ-SR is yet another beautiful example of their mission; this powerful DJ controller includes the full version of Serato DJ software and gives you a professional-level piece of technology to bring your mixes to life. The DDJ-SR comes equipped with powered USB connectivity, one 1/4” microphone input, one RCA auxiliary input, and two sets of master outputs to PA systems. A two-channel controller with control of four virtual decks, the SR includes a high-performance sound card, two low-latency jog wheels, and two sets of eight performance pads for customized cuing and sampling. We recommend the DDJ-SR as a starting point for any musician who is driven to get out and perform live DJ-sets in a public setting, with aspirations to play a professional venue. This advanced model is ideal for those who are conscious of their budget situation. When purchasing the Pioneer DDJ-SR and adding on the recommended protective hard case, your bundle will be pre-approved on the AMS 0% interest, 3-payment plan!

Pioneer DDJSB2 DJ Controller for Serato

The two-channel model Pioneer DDJ-SB2 has all of the features of an advanced DJ controller at an introductory price point. The SB2 features two low-latency jog wheels, LED level meters, performance pads, and control of up to four virtual decks, specs you won’t always find on similarly priced models. This controller comes bundled with a copy of Serato Intro software for your Mac or PC to get you started DJing right away. Incredibly straightforward, the DDJ-SB2 is USB-powered with a single input channel for a microphone and RCA master outputs for connection to a PA speaker system. We recommend the Pioneer DDJ-SB2 for aspiring DJs, producers, and electronic musicians on a conservative budget. It is truly geared toward those looking for a compact setup with no need for additional hardware connections other than a computer and PA. Its light weight and compact size make this the perfect addition to a bedroom studio or as a travel model for DJs of all abilities. You’ll be able to explore the basics of Serato, practice and fine-tune your mixes, and quickly enjoy the exciting ins and outs of DJing on the easy-to-use DDJ-SB2. This is the ideal model for pre-approval on the AMS 0% interest, 3-payment plan!

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